Police will prepare a report for the coroner after the discovery of a missing swimmer on the Sunshine Coast.
A search and rescue operation was launched on Wednesday afternoon after an 18-year-old surf life saver entered the water before a training session.
Queensland Police stated that the man was located deceased on Friday at about 6pm.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Chief Operating Officer Greg Cahill said the loss has deeply affected the surf lifesaving community.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our clubs on the Sunshine Coast and for surf lifesavers right across Queensland,” he said in an SLSQ statement.
“On behalf of Surf Life Saving Queensland, I extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to this young man’s family and friends during this devastating time.
“We are committed to ensuring welfare and peer support services are available to our members, volunteers and staff who have been impacted.”
SLSQ stated that is providing welfare and peer support to members and volunteers involved in the search and to the affected clubs.
SLSQ asked that the family’s privacy be honoured as they grieve the tragic loss.
“The name of the young surf life saver has not been approved for release to the public at this stage and we will update accordingly when, and if, appropriate,” SLSQ stated.
SLSQ also thanked volunteer surf lifesavers, lifeguards and staff from across the Sunshine Coast who assisted in the search effort, along with the Queensland Police Service and all partner agencies involved in the operation.
The operation was being led by the QPS, with support from PolAir, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Coastguard LifeFlight and extensive Surf Life Saving Queensland resources, including drone operations, IRBs, jet skis and hundreds of lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers assisting across the search area from Mooloolaba to Point Cartwright.
SLSQ also urged beachgoers to exercise caution this weekend, with unsettled conditions forecast over the coming days.
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